Incidence of Natural Virus Infection on Selected Improved Genetic Varieties of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) in Minna, Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Cassava is a major staple food source for millions of people in Africa. It is one of the most cultivated root crops and it is a sustainable source of food security and family income for the poor in the developing world. Despite its economic significance, cassava yield is significantly reduced by viral diseases which can often result in 100 % yield loss in susceptible cultivars. Through a field-based randomized complete block-designed experiment, the present study screened five cassava genotypes in three replications at Teaching and Research Farm, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria. Collected samples were scored based on disease severity scale and data were subjected to ANOVA. Research results reveal that the five genotypes (PRV A, TME 419, TMS 98/0505, TMS 98/0581, and TMS 30572) were asymptomatic throughout the growing season, suggesting that all treatments were resistant to natural virus infection. Despite all treatments being resistant to virus infection, TME 419 had a better growth and yield performance compared to other treatments. Hence, the cassava genotypes identified in this study could be used for future breeding programs as resistant varieties to virus diseases in Minna, which can enhance food security and family income. Additionally, more research is needed to better understand the effect of diseases on these selected varieties.